Huatulco is the loveliest little Mexican village we have pulled into so far. It is on a deep harbour, so much so that the ship docked by the pier within spitting distance of the beach that edges the town. The ship seemed too gigantic for the little bay, but after we pulled up a second ship cruised in and also docked along side us. The two ships overpowered the town, towering over the buildings, but the locals lapped up the business chances they offered.

We disembarked and delighted in walking through this beautiful town full of garden squares, fishing boats, restaurant tables on the beach and tourist shops selling silver jewelry and colourfuI nicknacks. After exploring the immediate area known as Santa Cruz, we walked to the next town though a cutting in the hillside. It was also a delightful place, not yet too touched by tourism. It too was filled with sleepy squares where locals sat in the sunshine and contemplated life, colorful houses and shady pedestrian walkways through the middle of wide streets.

The people were really lovely, eager to sell their wares, but not too demanding. They offered advice on the area freely and were jolly and cheerful in their interactions. We saw some beautiful churches and thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed, peaceful nature of the area. We were glad to be here now and enjoy this sleepy little backwater, because once tourism discovers it and increases, things will change.